Into Africa

The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone

By: Martin Dugard

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

"Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" So goes the signature introduction of New York Herald star journalist Henry Morton Stanley to renowned explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who had been missing for six years in the wilds of Africa. Into Africa ushers us into the meeting of these remarkable men. In 1866, when Livingstone journeyed into the heart of the African continent in search of the Nile's source, the land was rough, unknown to Europeans, and inhabited by man-eating tribes. The man sent to find him was an orphan and a drifter who had great ambition but little success to show for it. The book shows how, over the course of their nine-year relationship, Stanley ironically rose in power and prominence while Livingstone was relegated to isolation and danger in Africa.

©2003 Martin Dugard (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"It is rare when a historical narrative keeps readers up late into the night....But author and adventurer Dugard...makes a suspenseful tale out of journalist Stanley's successful trek through the African interior to find and rescue a stranded Livingstone....This is a well-researched, always engrossing book." (Publishers Weekly)
"Dugard imbues the narrative with a keen sense of urgency that propels this compelling account along." (Booklist)
"An action-packed recounting of one of the most famous incidents in the history of exploration. Fine entertainment for adventure buffs, solidly researched and fluently told." (Kirkus)
"Crisp vivid language...transports the armchair adventurer from the jungle muck to the mountain peak." (Esquire)

Amazing story. The hardships they endured.

What an adventure. I think you need to spend time in magical Africa to understand why you would be prepared to endure the down sides of being there. Can't imagine what it must have been like at the time the book is set. I enjoyed the book. Well read. Just about the right length though it covers a huge amount of material.

Exploration Lovers Delight

What did you like best about this story?

I love geographical exploration, especially in this time period and the details were captivating. I have difficulty reading about the mistreatment of animals and/or people, so I appreciated how Duggard handled those few instances and focused on the exploration.

An incredible adventure story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Brilliantly written and narrated, this book truly captures not only the perspective of Dr. Livingston and Henry Morton Stanley, but also the worldwide craze that the expedition generated from New York to Zanzibar. It really takes you along for an unforgettable adventure and you feel like you're right in the jungle with them.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Into Africa?

I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil anything, but the most memorable aspect of this book is how it brilliantly jumps from place to place, painting a global picture of the situation. One chapter, you're listening about Henry Morton Stanley fighting malaria in the dense jungles of Africa. Next, you're in the British parliament debating on the course of action to be taken, if any at all, while the story rages through the New York and London newspaper headlines. After that, you're back in Africa with Dr. Livingston facing moral dilemmas regarding the Arab slave trade in the various trading outposts scattered about. It is all brilliantly written and brings the story to life.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator is among the best I've heard. John Lee passionately narrates the tale with a charming and eloquent voice. He flawlessly switches between the thick Scottish accent of Dr. Livingston and the deep southern drawl of Henry Morton Stanley (which, as a southerner myself, is quite accurate). He also pronounces the numerous African places and names with ease.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Without spoiling anything, the chapter that details the humble beginnings of Henry Morton Stanley is truly fascinating. A thrilling rags-to-riches tale.

Now I️ know the rest of the story!

This has to be one of best adventure stories of two giants of their time in midsts of two nations turning points ... in both cases: one on the ascend, one on the descent

So worth a listen

Rich, erudite, exotic adventure.

This is a well written, exciting, fact filled African adventure experience.
Hazards, disease, vastness of area and trail troubles abound in this uncomfortable account of discovery.
Deep insights into the lives both at home and abroad of Livingston and Stanley.
Fascinating reading that produces ones own passion for research on this region.
An enjoyable armchair immersive introduction to the wilds of African discovery and knowledge.
Highly recommended.

Tough old Bastards!

Loved the history lesson and presentation. John Lee is by far my favorite reader! His oratory skills are wonderful!

Loving exploration tales

If you love true adventure, this is a great story. As you go through the audio book, I find having a map to reference helps.

Incomplete

The author does a fine job , but somehow decided once Livingston died he'd end the story. This is regrettable since Stanley was just getting going. The author makes a brief mention of Stanley's other treks in the postscript. The fact that Stanley surpassed Livingston in exploration and most of this came after the death of Livingston , makes this all the more regrettable. The Narrator is good. Could've been 5 stars had the author emulated his subjects. Unfortunately he ran out of steam.

Captivating

What the most interesting and fascinating story I’ve ever heard!
The narrator was exceptional.
Unlike what we’re led to believe today, that colonization was just evil.
Had it not been the British Dr. Livingstone and the American journalist Stanley. To write about a fascinating beauty and the brutality of the Arabs, that continent would still live in misery today.

Gripping Take

I could hardly turn off Audible when listening to this fabulously well-written historical account of the lives and adventures of these two renowned explorers. It has all the ingredients of great storytelling: big characters, immense physical and emotional challenges, the horrors of the slave trade and the homicidal economics of colonialism. What a gripping tale.